North Macedonia, previously known as The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) or just Macedonia if you don’t mind upsetting the Greeks.
There is plenty of history and there are archaeological sites everywhere, mostly free to roam around. This is the land of Alexander the Great, though the statues in many cities are very recent and were erected in deliberate antagonisation of Greece. The country has both Christian and Islamic roots, but the cultures tolerate rather than mingle. The Albanian Muslims to the West follow a much stricter form of Islam than in Albania itself.
There are mountains and gorges in the North, plains and lakes in the South. Note that it is not allowed to enter the Jacen National Park from the North by bicycle and there are guards at the entrance. You can enter from the South.
Roads
Macedonian roads are surprisingly good. Mostly well tarmacced apart from very remote sections. In hot weather heavy vehicles are prohibited from driving during the middle of the day, so the roads are not churned up like they are in many countries with a similar climate.
Traffic is sparse away from trunk roads and a delight to cycle on.
Sustenance
Burek is the standard fast food, filled with leeks, cheese or meat. Macedonian Burek has a heavier, chewy pastry compared to other Balkan countries and is very filling. The national dish is a fantastic bean stew called Tavče gravče.
When ordering coffee, ask for Caffe Makedonska, otherwise as a visitor you’ll get Nescafe which is considered “posh” coffee.
Water is easily found in the mountains at numerous springs.
